Pond Plants

A pond is arguably the most vital part of any wildlife friendly garden. It really adds something special and will attract a huge amount of wildlife.

Insects, such as water boatmen and pond skaters, will arrive in your pond very quickly. Most gardens have a few frogs and they will soon be enjoying your pond, closely followed by toads and if you’re lucky, newts too.

A garden pond is a mini nature reserve and can more or less be left to its own devices, but it will be a much more attractive feature with some well chosen aquatic plants.

Get the natural balance right, and the pond will need only occasional attention to maintain it in good condition. There are a few basic principles to observe when stocking your pond with plants.

Oxygenators are essential plants for keeping the pond healthy. Some have roots, but most simply float in the water, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen as they grow. Zones 4 & 5

Pondside or Bog plants are planted at the edges of the pond and enjoy waterlogged bog conditions. Zone 1

Marginals are planted in containers set in shallow water on shelves around the pond margins. Zones 2 & 3

Water Lilies are planted in containers that sit on the deeper part at the bottom of the pond and produce leaves which shade the water and beautiful flowers on the surface in summer. Zone 4